Reimagining World Language Teaching: A Book Study of Common Ground

Join a vibrant community of world language educators ready to rethink, refresh, and reinvigorate their teaching practice.

If you've ever longed for a professional read that's both intellectually engaging and immediately applicable, this is it: Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom by Florencia G. Henshaw and Maris D. Hawkins. Concise, accessible, and refreshingly practical, this book is a must-read—especially for educators championing the shift toward proficiency-based, communication-centered instruction.

With its conversational tone, relatable classroom examples, and clear organization, Common Ground makes second language acquisition (SLA) theory approachable and actionable. Whether you're new to SLA or looking to deepen your expertise, you'll likely find yourself wondering: “Why didn’t I read this sooner!?”

What to Expect:

This isn’t your typical book club. It’s a collaborative, purpose-driven experience designed to spark meaningful reflection, deepen your understanding of SLA principles, and support real changes in your classroom practice.

• Structured Discussions: Each session will focus on a section of the book, guided by thought-provoking questions and prompts to foster rich conversation.
• Collaborative Reflection: Share insights, ask questions, and explore solutions alongside fellow educators navigating the same instructional journey.
• Practical Application: Between meetings, you’ll engage in purposeful reflection and classroom-based tasks that bridge theory and practice.
• Supportive Accountability: Stay motivated with regular check-ins, a shared reading schedule, and a community that supports your growth.
• Professional Community: Connect with like-minded language educators and build relationships that will inspire and sustain your teaching long after the book study ends.

Come with a friend, a colleague, or simply your curiosity—and leave with fresh insights, renewed energy for your teaching, and a deeper connection to a community that builds meaningful, student-centered language learning.

Participants will:

• Explore key concepts of second language acquisition (SLA) theory as presented in Common Ground, and examine how these concepts challenge or align with current classroom practices.
• Understand the principles behind proficiency-based, communication-focused instruction, including the research-informed rationale for strategies that promote real-world language use and student-centered learning.
• Practice applying SLA-informed strategies through guided reflection, peer discussion, and classroom-based tasks that support the implementation of more effective, equitable, and engaging language instruction.

SESSIONS

SESSION 1: January 27, 2026 | 3:45 - 5:45pm

SESSION 2: February 17, 2026 | 3:45 - 5:45pm

SESSION 3: March 3, 2026 | 3:45 - 5:45pm

SESSION 4: March 24, 2026 | 3:45 - 5:45pm

AUDIENCE

World language educators in grades K-12.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. Registration may be transferred to a different person up to 7 days before a session. However refunds will not be given, and a session missed for any reason will not be refunded.Below we have outlined our cancellation and refund policy, which we have in place to ensure the most accurate numbers when we secure well in advance locations, catering, and facilitators. Thank you for understanding.For our ongoing programs or one-day intensives, refunds are available (less a $50 processing fee) up to 22 days before the scheduled starting date. We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made 21 days or less prior to the first day of a workshop. A missed session that is part of an ongoing program is non-refundable and non-transferrable. For our summer institutes refunds are available (less a $50 processing fee) up to 30 days before the scheduled starting date. We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made 29 days or less prior to the first day of a summer institute.Please contact us by email

as soon as you know you cannot attend a workshop. This will allow us time to contact our waitlist and hopefully fill your spot.